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Saints centre Ryan Morgan taking concussion protocols

SAINTS are playing a waiting game on Ryan Morgan's availability for Saturday's clash with Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.

The right centre dropped out of the action in the season-opening win against Castleford Tigers at the interval.

“He got a head knock, concussion, so he will have to go through the protocol this week," said head coach Justin Holbrook.

"We’re not sure on him at this stage."

Alex Walmsley, who marked his new four-year contract with Friday's victory at the Totally Wicked Stadium, looks set to be fit.

He, too, left the field for injury reasons.

“He was just a bit tight when he first went on, so he should be fine,” said Holbrook.

Few changes are expected, though one could be forced if Morgan does not pass a head test later in the week.

Selection dilemmas continue to present to the Saints head coach, who has a healthy squad to select from and players who did the business in both the Super League clash against Cas and the reserves' friendly at North Wales Crusaders on Sunday when Matty Smith, Adam Swift and Luke Douglas were given crucial game time.

Swift got over for a hat-trick at Wrexham, reminding Friday's wing starters Tommy Makinson and Regan Grace that he's biting at their heels.

“Swifty played really well," said Hobrook.

"He’s been fantastic right through the pre-season and the friendlies and he’s been unlucky not to be in the side from the start.”

He added: “I was happy even before the game on Friday with the selection options we went with and then how the boys played.

“I don’t want to be one that’s chopping and changing every week but part of it (selection approach) will be who we’re playing against and what’s required.

“That’s how I went into Round One.

“I wouldn’t say things are locked in, but when you play that way you’re not going to be leaving too many players out that’s for sure.”

Holbrook has watched the video of Catalans' 40-12 loss at Widnes Vikings and knows Steve McNamara's outfit will be like the poverbial 'wounded animal' at Stade Gilbert Brutus.

"They’ll be disappointed to have got beaten in the way they did," said Holbrook.

“For most parts they competed, they only capitulated late in the game. It was a bit of a shock but they’ll be harder to beat at home this weekend.

"They’ll be a very physical side, that’s for sure, and as it’s their first home game they’re going to want to improve a lot on that performance against Widnes and I expect them to. It’ll be a very tough physical game.

“We’re going to go straight there and straight back on Saturday.

"I’m not sure it’s the best way to do it but I haven’t really got a choice.

"I’m ok with it. It’ll be a big challenge. I guess it’s one we’ve got to look forward to. We go there once, so we go there to get the job done."

Les Catalans have a history of performing better at home than on their travels and their season-opening experience at Halton Stadium has done little to suggest that has changed.

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